His (Aaron Gold)
We were tired. “Driving over 1,000 miles from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Chico, California” tired. Ready to pass out. So when I tell you that just viewing our room at Hotel Káterina filled us with so much energy and excitement that we stayed up for several more hours, I want you to truly understand what I mean. Whimsical does not begin to describe the eclectic cowboy palace that is Hotel Káterina. The staff all blatantly love working there, and the charm of the place is palpable. Borrow one of the hotel’s free bikes. Pose with the lasso and cowboy hats. And enjoy your delightfully cozy bed that is just the perfect mix of soft and firm. The decor is just the right amount of kitschy. We enjoyed trying to count all of the horses in our room, and can only assume you will, too. The food and drinks in the hotel’s bar/restaurant, Rancher’s Daughter, are delicious. I personally recommend their thick cut bacon, as it hit the spot like my tummy so craved. I can also say that this was one of, if not the, best Presidential Suites I’ve ever enjoyed. From the bathrobes that feel like blankets to the kitchenette with everything you could ask for, to the delightfully deep bathtub built for two. If you’re visiting Chico and have the opportunity to treat yourself right, you cannot go wrong with Hotel Katerina.
Hers (Christine Stoddard)
I’m a sucker for pink and horses. What elevated this classic girly-girl combo at Hotel Káterina was the right balance of white, beige, and subdued metallics. In fact, on aesthetics alone, the hotel won my heart. Then came the matter of comfort: 10/10. No detail neglected. I could go on about the bed, but I’ll just second Aaron: It was an awesome King-sized delight. The deep sectional sofa didn’t disappoint, either. I could’ve slept on that! Now when we woke up the next morning, the kitchen had all of the rise-and-shine goodies I needed. The bevvy of coffee and tea options were deluxe, and I went ga-ga over the fresh orange juice. All in all, the hotel punches above its weight considering its location: Chico is a small city. It’s mostly known for being the home of Chico State and full of nature, like the stunning Bidwell Park. While it has its positive qualities, it’s not a world-class city. But as someone who’s traveled extensively, I can say Hotel Káterina is certainly a world-class hotel.
Watercolor painting by Christine Stoddard, alluding to Hotel Káterina’s equestrian theme:
Buttermilk Discusses His Luck and Life
By Gretchen Gales
-California cowgirl Dale Evans’ horse, co-star and best friend
What other horse can say
they have a lunchbox,
an action figure, posters,
and even a lamp?
What kind of luck do I have
that I was sold to auction twice
and both times ended up somewhere
in the Hollywood spotlight?
That both times I was saved
from being forgotten as just
another horse and told I was
the kind of horse for the screen.
And that I went from being
Soda, to Taffy, to Buttermilk,
always good, always sweet
no matter the circumstances.
Mine were rough ones at first.
I’ll admit I was mean, really mean.
Every horse longs to be loved.
But then I was loved by a cowgirl.
To be loved by a cowgirl
means to outrun every bit of life
that wasn’t filled with love
and replace it with adventure.
It means outrunning the star
on his own show, having to be held
back when I thought my Queen
of the West should be in the spotlight.
Heck, I thought I should, too.
With a lot of good timing and luck, I do.
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